Author: Justin Ballew
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Question of the Week – Scurf
What is going on with the skin of this sweetpotato? This sweetpotato has a superficial disease known as scurf (Monilochaetes infuscans). Scurf develops on the skin of the sweetpotato and is not visible on the flesh after peeling the skin. Though infected sweetpotatoes are still perfectly edible, this cosmetic defect renders them unmarketable. Scurf development…
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Weekly Field Update – 11/24/25
We hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving and is able to enjoy a little time off with friends and family! After some spring-like weather, temperatures are expected to cool down again this week. Fields are very dry right now so growers need to ensure they are watering adequately. Insect and disease pressure is relatively low.…
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Question of the Week – Kohlrabi
Does this collard plant have a massive tumor? This is neither a tumor nor a collard plant. This is kohlrabi. Kohlrabi is a close relative of collards and cabbage. In SC, it is best grown in the spring or fall, just as you would grow broccoli or cabbage. The enlarged bulb-like stem has a taste…
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Weekly Field Update – 11/17/25
After a cold snap, warm weather is back. Some strawberry growers covered their plants for the cold and are now uncovering to let them soak up the warm weather. Warm season crops were finished of by the cold. Brassica crops are showing a few disease issues as well as some cold-related discoloration. The Mildands region…
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Weekly Field Update – 11/10/25
The weather has quickly turned cold after a fairly warm week. Fall tomatoes, peppers, and cucurbits will be finished off this week. Strawberries are looking good so far with few disease or establishment issues. See details below. As we get into strawberry season, check out this year’s Strawberry Webinar Series to brush up on disease…
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Question of the Week – Banded Sphinx Moth
What is this large, colorful caterpillar? This is the caterpillar of the banded sphinx moth, Eumorpha fasciatus. The banded sphinx moth is a close relative (in the same family, Sphingidae) as the tomato and tobacco hornworms and catalpa worms. The earlier larval stages have a prominent horn, like other hornworms, but the horn is greatly…
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Weekly Field Update – 11/3/25
Strawberry planting has finished up and crops look good so far. Fall tomatoes, squash, etc. are still being harvested, but the end is near. Greens are looking great and we expect to have a good crop for the Thanksgiving market. See details below. As we get into strawberry season, check out this year’s Strawberry Webinar…
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Question of the Week – Rice
What is this crop growing in the coastal region? Rice was once a cornerstone of South Carolina’s economy, shaping the Lowcountry’s culture and landscape. In recent years, renewed interest in specialty rice varieties has sparked a revival of this historic crop. However, the availability of quality seed has declined to near-scarcity levels due to multiple,…
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Weekly Field Update – 10/27/25
Rain has finally come as the weather turns cooler. Strawberry planting is wrapping up in parts of the state. Insect pressure, including diamondback moth and two-spot cotton leafhopper, is still high in places. See details below. For anyone growing or thinking about growing sweetpotatoes, please take this short survey to help us determine interest in…
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Question of the Week – Dandelion
What is this uncommon crop growing in the Midlands? These are a type of dandelion. Dandelions are gown as a leafy green for bunching. Dandelions are a rich source of vitamin A, C and K as well as minerals including iron and calcium. The flavor profile of the young leaves is similar to arugula and…
The South Carolina Grower 